Toggle light / dark theme

Aubrey de Grey and Josh Mitteldrof, two big names of the aging field, discuss their diverging views regarding the nature of aging: is it programed or not?

Host: Nicolás Cherñavsky.
Production: Nicolás Cherñavsky and Nina Torres Zanvettor.
Editing: Nina Torres Zanvettor.
Revision and subtitling: Nicolás Cherñavsky.

Heales website (Healthy Life Extension Society): https://heales.org/

Contact e-mail: [email protected].

Westlake University in China and the California Institute of Technology have designed a protein-based system inside living cells that can process multiple signals and make decisions based on them.

The researchers have also introduced a unique term, “perceptein,” as a combination of protein and perceptron. Perceptron is a foundational artificial neural network concept, effectively solving binary classification problems by mapping input features to an output decision.

By merging concepts from neural network theory with , “perceptein” represents a biological system capable of performing classification computations at the protein level, similar to a basic artificial neural network. This “perceptein” circuit can classify different signals and respond accordingly, such as deciding to stay alive or undergo programmed cell death.

Researchers at Rice University have made a meaningful advance in the simulation of molecular electron transfer—a fundamental process underpinning countless physical, chemical and biological processes. The study, published in Science Advances, details the use of a trapped-ion quantum simulator to model electron transfer dynamics with unprecedented tunability, unlocking new opportunities for scientific exploration in fields ranging from molecular electronics to photosynthesis.

Electron transfer, critical to processes such as cellular respiration and energy harvesting in plants, has long posed challenges to scientists due to the complex quantum interactions involved. Current computational techniques often fall short of capturing the full scope of these processes. The multidisciplinary team at Rice, including physicists, chemists and biologists, addressed these challenges by creating a programmable quantum system capable of independently controlling the key factors in : donor-acceptor energy gaps, electronic and vibronic couplings and environmental dissipation.

Using an ion crystal trapped in a vacuum system and manipulated by , the researchers demonstrated the ability to simulate real-time spin dynamics and measure transfer rates across a range of conditions. The findings not only validate key theories of quantum mechanics but also pave the way for novel insights into light-harvesting systems and molecular devices.

Summary: Researchers identified variants in the DDX53 gene, located on the X chromosome, as contributors to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These genetic variants, found predominantly in males, provide critical insights into the biological mechanisms behind autism’s male predominance.

The study also uncovered another potential gene, PTCHD1-AS, near DDX53, linked to autism, emphasizing the complexity of ASD’s genetic architecture. This research highlights the importance of the X chromosome in ASD and opens avenues for more precise diagnostics and therapeutics.

The findings challenge current models, urging a re-evaluation of how autism is studied. These discoveries mark a significant step in understanding the genetic underpinnings of autism.

There’s No Turning Back

Not long ago, solving the crystal structure of a protein required an entire PhD.

Growing crystals, collecting X-ray diffraction data, and interpreting electron density maps often took years of optimization and expensive instruments. Even then, solving all protein structures was a challenge, further compounding the “protein folding problem” in biology.

Mosasaurs are extinct marine reptiles that dominated Earth’s oceans during the Late Cretaceous period.


Mosasaurs, extinct marine reptiles that dominated Earth’s oceans during the Late Cretaceous period, have fascinated scientists since their discovery in 1766 near Maastricht, Netherlands. These formidable lizards are iconic examples of macroevolution, showcasing the emergence of entirely new animal groups.

Michael Polcyn, a paleontologist from Utrecht University, has presented the most comprehensive study yet on their early evolution, ecology, and feeding biology. His findings, aided by advanced imaging technologies, provide fresh insights into the origins, relationships, and behaviors of these ancient giants.